More regional domestic routes, moving forward with an interline deal with Air New Zealand, and getting more Kiwis to the Chatham Islands; That’s what’s on the mind of Air Chathams’ new ceo Duane Emeny, who has stepped up into the role previously filled by his father Craig Emeny.
While Duane Emeny has been in the business a long time, and has worked at the airline since he was a child over the school holidays, the new position still feels a little ‘surreal’. “I’m wanting to do a really good job and haven’t lost sight of the fact it’s a really challenging role in a challenging industry.” His core focus, he adds, is to ensure 3C stays true to where it fits in the system, connecting smaller rural and remote communities via its Saab 340s. “We’re looking at the opportunities to potentially grow that, picking up new routes that fit those specifics.” That includes a potential service between Whanganui and Christ-church, which is currently contingent on 3C shifting its operational base to Whanganui from Auckland, something 3C is still debating. “We’ve got a lot of regard for Whanganui as a city and its people,” he says, “I think that’s a market that would work well with the Saab 340s.” Another route, currently on hold due to airport runway logistics, is a service between Auckland and Masterton, which Emeny says would be a good fit for 3C. “We’ll see what we might be able to do in the future to provide an air service [in Masterton] because I think that’s an area that’s grown massively in the last 10 years and could really support a turbo-prop aircraft operating regularly.” On the topic of connectivity, Emeny adds that 3C’s interline deal with Air New Zealand is still a ‘massive priority’. While talks are still ongoing, he says he is hopeful that a trial route could start this year.
. . . Agents
As for Kiwi travel agents, 3C will continue to work with and support agents, and Emeny says he is especially keen to work with local agents to get Kiwis out to the Chathams.
. . . Commission
Emeny says 3C offers commission on certain fares, and adds that the Chatham Islands destination has plenty to offer clients, from hunting and fishing to hikes and, of course, the seafood. “The seafood in the island is second to none.”
See more details about 3C HERE.
